McIlvena, William Donald

Bill McIlvena passed away at the Southwood Hospice in Calgary after a long illness on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the age of 78 years. He put up a good fight.

Bill was born in Lethbridge and moved to Calgary as a young boy. For most of his life, Bill worked in the plumbing wholesale industry, managing branches of Westburne Ltd. in both Lethbridge and Calgary. But family was always his priority and he spent many happy times skiing, camping, fishing, and travelling with his ?girls?. He also enjoyed gardening, curling and rooting for the Stamps.

Bill is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Nora; two daughters, Karen (John Chaves) and Joanne; and two grandsons, Michael Chaves and Cameron Chaves. He is also survived by one brother Hugh and several brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law. Among his many surviving nieces and nephews, Bill was particularly close to Noreen (John) Buckley and her family. He was predeceased by his sisters Elaine and Lorna.

A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY?S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. His family would like to thank the dedicated physicians that stuck with him to the end, Dr. Valentine, Dr. Hemmelgarn and Dr. Celis; and the caring staff at the Tom Baker Centre, the Southwood Hospice and Nursing Home where Bill spent so much time.